Chief Executive Belinda Robinson said universities were committed to improving the clarity of information available for students and families when making one of the most important decision of their lives – without removing the capacity to consider and enrol students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“As a sector, we will be suggesting improvements that can make the admission requirements and policies clearer,” she said.

“With the introduction of a demand-driven system, university entry has become increasingly complex – with a diverse range of admission pathways beyond entry on an ATAR score,” Ms Robinson said.

Fewer than half of all commencing university students are school leavers.

“Alternative processes are important to enable universities to consider the potential of a student to complete a degree successfully and take account of disadvantage.

“An ATAR tells you something about a student’s likelihood of succeeding at university for those who have not suffered educational disadvantage at school, but it does not tell you everything about admission for all students.”

Ms Robinson said the sector will be working closely and constructively with the Higher Education Standards Panel to improve the clarity of information available to students.